MISENHEIMER, N.C. (July 27, 2026)  -- Pfeiffer University Athletics announces the hiring of Mackenzie Plant as the new head coach of the Falcons cheerleading program.

Plant brings a unique combination of collegiate cheerleading experience, leadership development, and educational expertise to the role. A four-year member of the High Point University Cheer Team from 2020 to 2024, she performed at university athletic events, including Big South and NCAA Tournaments,  represented the institution through community engagement initiatives, and developed advanced skills in stunting, tumbling, game-day performance, and team leadership.

"We are excited to welcome Mackenzie Plant to the Pfeiffer University family," said Interim Athletic Director Jeff Childress. "Her passion for cheerleading, commitment to student development, and proven leadership qualities make her an outstanding choice to lead our program."

A lifelong cheerleader with 16 years of experience in the sport, Plant has competed and performed at multiple levels. Before her collegiate career, she spent four years on the varsity cheerleading squad at Grafton High School in Massachusetts, helping lead the program to the 2019 Massachusetts State Cheerleading Championship. She also competed extensively in all-star cheerleading, training in advanced stunting, tumbling, choreography, and competitive performance.

Plant earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from High Point University in 2024 and currently serves as a kindergarten teacher at Oakboro Choice STEM School in Oakboro, North Carolina.

In the classroom, her strengths in communication, organization, team building, and leadership helped earn a nomination for Stanly County Schools' 2025-26 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She also holds a North Carolina Elementary Education License for grades 1-6.

As head coach, Plant will oversee all aspects of the cheerleading program, including recruitment, skill development, game-day performances, team leadership, and community engagement initiatives.

Pfeiffer University Athletics Mission Statement
The Pfeiffer University Department of Athletics is committed to creating and maintaining a positive learning environment where student-athletes can thrive physically, mentally and spiritually. It is the sincere mission of the department as a whole to foster and encourage fair-play and competitive excellence in compliance with NCAA policies, while emphasizing importance in diversity, inclusion, equality and social responsibility. Dedicated to service through a strong sense of community, Pfeiffer Athletics is devoted to forming lasting bonds built on a foundation of respect, sportsmanship and trust